Fairphone 6: Repairability Perfect Score Shows Sustainable Design Matters
I've always admired Fairphone's commitment to creating electronics that are both consumer-friendly and easy on the planet. The Fairphone 6, which arrives two years after its predecessor, keeps that promise alive. It's designed to last, and that's a breath of fresh air in a world of disposable tech.
The folks at iFixit, known for their teardowns, didn't waste any time getting their hands on the Fairphone 6. And guess what? It scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for repairability! This is a testament to Fairphone's dedication to modularity and easy repairs. It's awesome to see a company prioritizing this.
However, there's a small change from previous models. While earlier Fairphones had hard batteries that you could pop out with your fingernail, the Fairphone 6 has a thinner, soft-pouch cell. This makes the phone slimmer, but it also means the battery is held in place with five screws. But the good news is, like every other component, there's no glue involved! That's a huge win for anyone who wants to fix their phone themselves.
Sure, the lack of adhesives contributes to the phone's IP55 rating, which is lower than some other phones. But let's be real: how many companies are going to provide detailed guides on how to open their phones? Exactly. There are always trade-offs.
Now, iFixit is right to point out that the Fairphone 6 isn't trying to be a top-of-the-line smartphone with all the latest features. It's built with sustainability and repair-friendliness in mind. This means some compromises, like using USB 2.0, a less pixel-dense screen, and 8GB of RAM. But honestly, I don't think these things will affect most people's everyday use. And owning a phone you can actually repair yourself? That's something special.
Source: Engadget